Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is poised to return to La Liga, having agreed to a two-year contract with Villarreal following his departure from Arsenal as a free agent.
Partey’s decision to join the Spanish side was influenced by the opportunity to play European football, with Villarreal securing a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. For the 32-year-old, the move also marks a return to familiar territory—Spain—where he first rose to prominence with Atletico Madrid.
Sources close to the player indicate that Partey prioritised maintaining top-level competition, particularly with the next FIFA World Cup cycle in view. Remaining in La Liga offers him continuity, competitive football, and visibility for national team selection with Ghana.
His exit from Arsenal came after contract extension talks fell through earlier this summer. Although the Premier League club expressed interest in keeping him, the two parties failed to reach an agreement on new terms. Partey leaves Arsenal after five seasons and over 100 appearances in all competitions.
EXCL: Thomas Partey has signed a two-year deal with Villarreal. The midfielder makes a return to La Liga. pic.twitter.com/RFFVWXOLGU
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) August 3, 2025
However, his football future remains overshadowed by ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. Partey is currently facing five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women, with incidents alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
Partey has strongly denied the allegations. His legal representative, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman & Rose, stated that the midfielder is ready to defend himself and welcomes the opportunity to clear his name after what she described as a three-year investigation.
On Friday, July 4, 2025, British authorities confirmed that the 32-year-old has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The charges stem from allegations involving three different women and incidents said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, two rape charges relate to one woman, while three others relate to a second complainant.
The sexual assault charge is connected to a third woman.
The Metropolitan Police reportedly received the first complaint in February 2022, leading to the long-running investigation.
Partey is scheduled to appear before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
